Jon T.
Yelp
Cute little Vietnamese place in Central, with a tight parking lot you can enter from 6th or Junett. Upon entry, we were asked if we were all over 21, since there's upstairs seating with a bar. They recommended we sit upstairs, which I would say may have been our first mistake. There was almost no one upstairs, the AC was crazy cold, and our server barely came around and may not actually know how to smile.
We ordered some local brews to start - Manny's and Mac & Jack's Amber were solid.
The pho is definitely on the aromatic side, which our party enjoyed. Of course, you'll get full plates of basil, beansprouts, and jalapeno slices to add in.
I ordered the Bun Bo Hue, which was fine. The soup was very mild compared to more authentic versions I've had, and both the beef and hue sausage slices were bland. No pork hock or blood, and no banana flower or ongchoy. I called an audible and subbed egg noodles, which were honestly quite tasty and saved the dish. Not my favorite rendition, but serviceable.
Prices are comparable to back home, expect $15-20 per entree. If you're in Tacoma and craving Vietnamese, La Ca Bar will do in a pinch.